former president bill clinton secured their release in 2009. now, u.s. officials and family members are being very careful, of course, not to say anything that could jeopardize the situation of the americans being held by the north koreans. wolf? >> let's hope both of them are released soon. thanks very much, barbara. >>> just ahead, rare access to the front lines of the battle for damascus. cnn takes you to the heart of syria's bloody civil war. >>> plus, an interesting gift choice. what the israeli prime minister benjamin netanyahu gave to pope francis today. ♪ ♪ ♪ i wanna spread a little love this year ♪ ♪ i wanna spread a little love and cheer ♪ [ male announcer ] this december, remember -- provocative design and exacting precision come together in one powerful package at the lexus december to remember sales event, with some of the best offers of the year on our most thrilling models. this is the pursuit of perfection. on our most thrilling models. every day we're working to and to keep our commitments. and we've made a big commitment to